breaking news: jesus is still lord!€¦ · world discipleship summit, orlando tbd vbs 2020,...
TRANSCRIPT
Elders Harold Carman ❖ John Durkota Bob Keen ❖ Ray Rowan John Schmitt ❖ Ross Mackenzie Sherwin Mackintosh ❖ Harold Channer
Evangelists Tom Brown ❖ Jeff Hickman
Jordan Massey ❖ Kendall Knight
Women’s Ministry Kelly Brown ❖ Lin Ottenweller
LaToya Massey
Youth & Family Ministry Nick & Brie Shoff
Children’s Ministry Melissa Tulloch
Singles & Young Marrieds Kendall & Dian Knight
Campus Ministry Jordan Massey ❖ Cody Porter
Worship & Creative Arts Ministry Sherwin & Debbie Mackintosh
Administration Vivian Hanes ❖ Megan Famodun
Missions Teacher Dr. Douglas Jacoby
YES! Ministry Jasmine Jackson
Supporting Mission Efforts In:
Africa, Auburn-Tuskegee,
Chattanooga, Europe, Knoxville
Communities
Central Jeff & Kristi Hickman
Dennis Pickens
East Jacinto & Rochelle Hall
East Cobb (Sandy Springs) Tom & Kelly Brown
Stephen & Susan Adkins
Intown John & Vivian Hanes
Northwest (Kennesaw, Acworth)
Sherwin & Debbie Mackintosh
Marietta Square Alex & Jasmine Jackson
Adeoye & Megan Famodun
North Marietta (South Woodstock)
Matt & Enid Tchir
South Gary & Dena Adams
West Cobb (Smyrna, South Cobb) Teregi & Anne Coleman
Community leader/staff emails
(example: [email protected]) [email protected]
320 Austin Ave NE
Marietta, GA 30060 www.nrcoc.org
April 5, 2020
BREAKING NEWS: Jesus is Still Lord!
Despite the challenges of “social distancing,” men and women continue to be baptized and making Jesus Lord! Many decisions we are having to make right now will affect us for years to come, but other decisions will affect us for eternity. Praise be to God for how He continues to open the door for the Word, how He has allowed us to use technology to study the Bible with seekers, and how the water still purifies from the inside out. Enjoy these stories of celebration within our church family:
Gabby Wong (middle), a freshman Chemical and Biomolecular Engineering major at Georgia Tech, is a young lady full of passion and joy for the Word of God! She was reached out to during the summer and took on the school year and her Bible studies with much excitement. Gabby decided to make Jesus Lord February 28! This Florida native is a joy to everyone she is around, and if you ever want to explore the book of Acts, Gabby is definitely the girl to see!
Sparticus Griffin is a freshman Art major at Kennesaw State University and a member of the KSU Track & Field team. Throughout his studies, Sparticus has shown great humility and curiosity. Whenever he was unsure or misunderstood anything in the Scriptures, he was never shy to ask questions. We are excited to share that he made Jesus Lord of his life on March 6!
Jackson Connelly (middle) grew up at North River and recently started to really dive deep in his relationship with God. Jackson saw his need for Christ and was baptized March 8 at North River. He is attending Kennesaw State University and will be joining the North River Campus Ministry. We couldn’t be more proud of his decision to make Jesus the Lord of his life!
Christian Spalding (being carried) is a freshman at Georgia Tech studying Neuroscience. He was met on campus at the beginning of fall semester by another band member in the ministry and came out to slip-n-slide kickball. Since then, Christian has been studying the Bible and figuring out how to make his faith his own. He has a strong desire to know God and know who God says He is, which has also allowed Christian to build deeper relationships with his family group and other members of the GT ministry. He was baptized March 8!
Armando Rodriguez (III) (middle) is a junior at Sprayberry High School. His parents Armando (Jr.) and Milagros Rodriguez have been longtime disciples. Armando had been studying the Bible for some time and learning to seek God with all his heart. Over the last six months or so, his studies included a teen leader, another fellow teen disciple, and his dad. Together this "youth and family team" joined Armando in the Word and through prayer as he fought to develop his own faith. On March 11, Armando made the decision to be baptized and proclaim Jesus is Lord. He is a tremendous encouragement to the Teen Ministry at North River.
Dylan Bagby (second from right) is a junior at Kennesaw State University and is currently studying Digital Animation. Dylan was reached out to on the Kennesaw campus and began studying shortly afterwards. Dylan responded to the Gospel with an extremely humble and open heart that has truly been encouraging. He was baptized on March 17!
Kierra Kelly’s life has radically changed in just two months! After meeting disciples on a street near Georgia State University’s campus downtown, Kierra quickly responded to studying the Bible deeper with
eagerness and humility. Kierra is a senior Criminal Justice major with a heart for God and for speaking up for those who can’t speak for themselves. She was baptized during the Livestream Sunday service on March 22. We are so excited to welcome her as our sister in Christ!
Kathryn Carrico (left) is a recent graduate of Georgia Tech with a degree in Mechanical Engineering. Her identical twin sister was converted in the Campus Ministry five years ago and had been praying for Kathryn to get connected with disciples. Kathryn attended the fall retreat in 2019 and began studying the Bible shortly after. In the last five months she has made radical changes in her faith and deepened her convictions along the way. Although the quarantine forced us to have our last two Bible studies over the phone, Kathryn was eager to have her sins forgiven in the waters of baptism. With less than 10 people present, she was baptized and made Jesus the Lord of her life on March 27! Congratulations, Kathryn, on your new life in Christ!
Mikhael & Jahnett Sampson were married on March 14 in Marietta, GA. “We would like to thank our family and friends who celebrated our union with us.”
Wait! Don’t Stop Now! There’s More… Browse through the online newsletter each week to find more important news, updates, prayer requests and resources. Visit www.nrcoc.org, click “Resources” tab and then “Newsletters.”
If you are not receiving church updates/alerts through email, please check your spam folder (these messages most often come from [email protected]) or contact your
community leader to get your name added to the list.
@NorthRiverCOC
Attendance and Contribution
Average Giving in March was $42,115 Weekly Goal in April is $47,000
Date Attendance Contribution
Mar. 15 545 Livestream Logins
$36,873
Mar. 22 573 Livestream Logins
$37,828
Mar. 29 602 Livestream Logins
$34,125
5 11a Livestream Service
6 7
8
Virtual Small Group
Midweeks
9 10
11
10a Facebook Live
Women’s Coffee
Chat
Northview CC Nashville, TN Rome, GA Coastal Carolina Athens, GA ACOC @ Gwinnett Birmingham, AL
April 5-11, 2020
WIFI Password: RejoiceAlways
Let Us Pray… I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people - for kings and all those in authority, that we may
live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. This is good, and pleases God our Savior, who wants all people to be saved. — 1 Timothy 2:1-4a
In the Know Shortcuts!
• Visit www.nrcoc.org for information and updates
• Follow @NorthRiverCOC on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for regular updates
• Watch the Livestream of services online or Facebook
• Keep your information updated using this form (bit.ly/2Q9aHRC) to get email updates
• Plan regular giving or give online on Tithely - you can also text GIVE to (470) 460-6991
• Stay connected with your Family Group and Community leaders
• If you need help getting connected, please contact [email protected]
For Your Future Calendars:
Livestreams & Sermon Slides
For the month of April, North River will continue doing Livestream ser-vices on Sundays at 11am. You can watch these on the North River Church of Christ Facebook page or on our North River Church of Christ Vimeo page. Please invite your friends to join us and encourage them to email us if they have any questions at [email protected]. Find the sermon slides at https://bit.ly/394Jqrj
• May: • May 3: • July 2-5: • July 13-17:
North River’s Season of Giving Children’s Ministry Promotion World Discipleship Summit, Orlando TBD VBS 2020, 9am-12pm
We are a diverse family of believers who answered the call to be disciples of Jesus Christ. We are being transformed by God’s Word, His Grace, and the Holy Spirit. Through small groups and deep relationships with one another, we join in Jesus’ ministry and mission to make and mature disciples while we care for the needs of people. We do this to save as many as possible for the glory of God.
Day of Prayer and Fasting: April 10
“When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned” Isaiah 43:2. Everyday our front liners, whether they work at the hospital, the grocery store or elsewhere, are walking through the fire to serve us. We want to not only thank all of you for what you are doing but offer added protection through our prayers. Please join us in any way that you can for a day of prayer and fasting for God to strengthen and protect our brothers and sisters in whatever field they serve.
Project & Prayer to Help Healthcare Workers We are inviting everyone to help support and encourage our community by sewing cloth masks and making cards for individuals who are isolated, as well as for our healthcare heroes!
Atlanta healthcare centers have confirmed that cloth masks WILL be
helpful for many staff members during this pandemic. And specially made cards (see details below) are sure to bring a smile! See this document to find all the details about helping in this special way. Thank you!
Generosity Sunday: ‘A Season of Giving’ We understand that the next few months will be full of adjustments for many members financially, but we want to continue to live by faith and share where needed what God has given! Because of this, instead of a single "Generosity Sunday," we are planning a "season of giving" in the month of May. Please be praying for the amazing things God will do to help us meet needs inside and outside of our church.
Join the NR Media Team! As more things move online, we could use more volunteers especially those who have graphic design skills or videography skills. The Media Team consists of social media, photography, videography, graphic design, internet outreach and more! Please
email [email protected] to help. And you don’t have to volunteer to help! Simply follow @NorthRiverCOC on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter. But don’t stop there. Engage! Of course, all things in moderation, but comments, likes, and shares increase the likelihood of people finding our church online, and we also encourage each other. Happy posting!
North River’s Vision Statement
Fix Your Eyes On Jesus This year’s theme at North River is “Fix Your Eyes on Jesus” from Hebrews 12:2. In January and February, we were able to focus on our theme by studying the entire book of Hebrews. To get more insight, please take time to watch Douglas Jacoby’s short iFaith video sermons. They are both on YouTube at (search terms “Ifaith, Jacoby, Hebrews”) and also at Douglas’s website, at https://www.douglasjacoby.com/two-new-ifaith-videos-from-hebrews/.
Prayer Requests
“Always be joyful. Never stop praying. Be thankful in all circumstances, for this is God’s will for you who belong to Christ Jesus.” 1 Thess. 5:16
• Please pray for all those going through financial, health, and social/emotional challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic.
• For specific prayer requests during this time of “social distancing,” Please email [email protected].
Have any prayer requests? Email [email protected]
Needs in our North River Family
"Just as a body, though one, has many parts, but all its many parts form one body, so it is with Christ." -1 Corinthians 12:12
With our growing church, additional building, and ongoing outreach, we have many growing opportunities to help. Please give a read of the following opportunities and see where God might want you to serve or help. Thank you for being the toes, the nose, and the elbows!
• SECURITY TEAM: Monitoring in and around our three buildings. Contact Megan at [email protected].
• MUSIC LIBRARIANS: People to help file and manage the music for the worship team.
Contact Sherwin: [email protected].
• YES! PROGRAM: To do one of the regular Saturday events with your group or for ongoing help, email [email protected].
• SHEPHERDS FOR SINGLES' FAMILY GROUPS:
Contact [email protected] or [email protected].
• WORSHIP TEAM: Thursday night rehearsals required. Contact Sherwin at [email protected].
HAVE ANOTHER IDEA OR NOT SURE HOW TO HELP? No problem! Hit me up with your interest at [email protected]. Thanks.
North River Selected as ‘Best Place to Worship’
North River Church of Christ has been selected for the 2020 Best of Marietta Award in the Places of Worship category by the Marietta Award Program. Each year, the Marietta Award Program identifies companies they believe have achieved exceptional marketing success in their local community and business category. These are local companies that enhance the positive image of small business through service to their customers and our community. These exceptional companies help make the Marietta area a great place to live, work and play. Thanks be to God for how He is working in our neighborhood!
THRIVE: Singles & Young Marrieds Ministry!
The new Thrive Ministry for Singles and Young Marrieds (formerly The EDGE) will be having ZOOM virtual prayer nights and other special ways to connect virtually throughout April. To get added to the Thrive email list, please email [email protected].
JULY 2-5: The World Discipleship Summit is Still On By Faith!
Join us for the 2020 World Discipleship Summit July 2-5, in Orlando, Florida as disciples from around the world share God’s vision to bring the love of Jesus to as many as possible. Check the website to register and to find more information regarding the Coronavirus and other frequently asked questions.
• Singles, Youth, Women’s and Men’s classes • Artist Showcase, Worship, and Animate events • Chance to Dance program for those with special needs • ICOC (campus) and Stronger (mental health) conferences • How to register as an exhibitor • Even discounted park tickets! What parks? Oh you know…
You can also join in now on Facebook where people from around the world have been sharing their excitement for months in anticipation of this incredible (suggestions on a better word please) event.
JULY 13-17: VBS 2020 Save the date for VBS 2020! We will have two programs running simultaneously with age-appropriate activities from 9am-12pm daily:
• Preschool through 2nd grade in the FLC
• 3rd through 5th grade in The Lighthouse for Matt T'chir's first annual Heart of a Champion sports camp.
Register today at: http://bit.ly/NRVBS2020 (all caps)
An Update From Camp Swamp!
Currently, the board is still planning on having camp in June, but a final decision will be made by the end of April. In the meantime, please continue to register! The non-refundable portion of the registration fee will be waived due to our unusual circumstances. Thank you for all your prayers and for reaching out to Camp Swamp during these times.
Camp Swamp | Atlanta Georgia Overnight Camp Retreat Facility
Live Chats: Saturdays at 10am!
Thousands have watched our weekly "coffee chats" on "Simple Faith in Unsettling Times" and have been able to hear stories of women from around the world who are working through transitions and staying focused on God. Join us again this Saturday on the North River Facebook Page to hear about #SimpleFaith2020.
Past videos will be posted within 24 hours on
our NR Women's Page, where you can also
find some helpful studies on women in the
Bible!
WITW: Where In the World is Douglas Jacoby?
2020
May 1-2 Early Church History Fellowship— Amberson, PA
May 6 Fish Club - E.T. Booth Middle School
May 9 Milwaukee, WI
May 15-17 Monterrey, Mexico
2020 Biblical Study Tour: Turkey Travel to Turkey (Ephesus, Attalia, Laodicea, Istanbul) with our teacher Douglas Jacoby and brothers and sisters from around the world to go on a journey that will bring the world of the Bible to life. It is over a year away, but
spaces go very fast. For more information, visit: https://www.douglasjacoby.com/2020-biblical-study-tour-turkey/.
October 19-26, 2020 (Pre-tour: October 16-19)
Biblical Study Tours in 2021
We hear a good deal of talk about doing what Jesus would do (WWJD?), but how about walking where Jesus walked? We would like to invite you to join the 2021 annual tour as we return to Israel. Biblical Study Tour to Israel - February 1-8, 2021
(Post Tour Feb 8-11)
We will be tracking Paul's final journey in the book of Acts. Join us on this incredible voyage through a
truly beautiful and historically fascinating part of the world.
All details can be found on the homepage of Douglas Jacoby at douglasjacoby.com, or shoot an email to [email protected] to express your interest.
Paul’s Prison Journey — Malta, Sicily, Italy October 31-November 10, 2021
D.J. Podcasts Now on Spotify, iTunes, Google!
The podcast material from Douglas Jacoby’s website is now being made available on all podcast platforms (like Apple Podcasts, Google, and Spotify). Podcasts will be added every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. You can check them out anywhere you normally listen to podcasts — please make sure to
subscribe. You can also follow the episodes, as they are posted, through THIS LINK. We begin with a series on Old Testament Characters. The first two episodes: "Adam & Eve" and "Cain & Abel."
Birthday Heroes
Be a part of the Birthday Heroes Team! On the third Saturday of each month, we venture out to Youth Villages in Douglasville. Youth Villages is a home for children who have been removed from their families for various negative reasons. To encourage the children, we host a birthday party to celebrate the birthdays for that month. If you are interested in joining, please contact Debbie Swain at [email protected]. Thank you!
Learn Sign Language!
Are you interested in learning American Sign Language (ASL)? Please contact Shay Rowe (678-920-3838) or Jamie Mullis (770-366- 1881).
Need a Place to Stay? Have a Room for Rent?
There are several people in the North River family who are looking for housing or roommates. (This includes single women, single men, and sometimes couples)
There ALSO might be those among us who have a spare room, a basement, or an in-law suite. We
would love to match people up and even help start some new spiritual households! If you would like to help or need help, please send any info to our
hospitality volunteer to Sierra at [email protected]. Pulling all together, we can meet many needs. Thank you.
A Special Way to Support
Camp Swamp
Did you know you can help Camp Swamp when you do your online shopping
with one simple extra step? Simply visit smile.amazon.com, do your shopping, and upon check out, Amazon will donate a share of your pur-chase to Swamp Camp Services Inc. No extra fees! Shop till you drop and support Camp Swamp. Thanks, Jeff Rorabaugh
3 Easy Ways to Give Online
• Online: Visit https://tithe.ly/give?c=467483
• App: Download the BLUE Tithe.ly Church App, then search for North River Church of Christ
• Text: Text the word GIVE to (470) 460-6991
You can set up recurring gifts and also cover the processing fees for your donation if you wish. If you have any questions about setting up your giving on Tithe.ly, please call the church office at 770-792-8133 or email [email protected].
How to Get Your Kids in Children’s Classes
Please watch the video at https:bit.ly/2Zu7Xo9 to learn how to register your kids into our program, which will allow you to check them in using our digital check-in process. You can access the form to sign up your child at http://bit.ly/riverkidsregistration. If you do not re-register your kids using these forms, we won't be able to check them into class, so this is very important. Please feel free to reach out to myself or anyone on our team at [email protected] or [email protected] with any questions!
Requesting a Room or Building at North River
(All Reservations for Facilities on Hold Through March and April)
As good stewards of all that God gives us, let us keep the following in mind concerning our buildings:
• Treat the buildings as though they are your home. (They are!)
• To request a spot go to www.nrcoc.org, click on Resources and select Facility Request. Easily fill out and submit from a phone or laptop.
• All private events for members (weddings, birthday or grad parties, showers, etc.), will incur charges.
• HVAC systems and security are scheduled ahead of time, so we ask that you put in all requests at least two weeks before your event. Most requests are processed within 48 hours.
• Members and guests are not permitted to use any rooms without a reservation.
• Bear with each other if you don’t get your desired spot – or for the time you need it. Flexibility is key!
• Reminder: The FLC and The Lighthouse are NUT-FREE. Please keep this in mind when bringing lunch or potluck meals. Thank you for keeping those with serious food allergies safe.
Thanks for cooperating. Please send your questions to [email protected].
Contact the Newsletter Team Like this newsletter? Have something you’d like posted here? Want to help out? Awesome! Please email: [email protected]. Requests sent to other email addresses may or may not find their way to the newsletter team in time! We try to accommodate everyone and would hate to miss an important announcement sent to an email address not checked regularly. The weekly deadline is Wednesday at midnight to [email protected]. Announcements or requests received after the deadline may not be possible. Thanks, the Newsletter Team.